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018: The Power of Alliances in Cross-Border Ecommerce
Introduction
Welcome to another episode of the Ecom Ops Podcast. If you're involved in selling or shipping products, or if you seek a deeper understanding of your e-commerce supply chain, you should definitely listen to this episode. Many small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) struggle to navigate the complexities of supply chains due to their size, but you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode, we have Justice, CEO of NEXX, an integrated e-commerce experience platform that connects all the pieces of the supply chain together. Tune in to gain valuable insights!
Meet Justice
We’re excited to welcome Justice to the podcast. He’s an inspiring leader with a dynamic spirit, dedicated to building integrated supply chains—a topic I'm passionate about as well. Justice has a remarkable team that contributes significantly to the success of NEXX. He has a diverse background in e-commerce supply chain management, starting in customs compliance and advancing through various roles in the logistics sector.
Justice's Journey
Justice began his career in customs compliance after completing his dual study in retail. He headed the customs compliance division for Amazon Europe in Luxembourg, gaining extensive knowledge in cross-border e-commerce, customs rules, and import-export classifications. Following that experience, he co-founded a platform called Ship Prime, which automated shipment processes for Chinese and American sellers looking to ship directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in Europe.
Justice learned valuable lessons from this venture, including the regulatory challenges and the need for comprehensive knowledge in customs compliance. He ultimately moved on to create NEXX, focusing on two main industry problems: establishing a global network of local champions in cross-border e-commerce and developing a technology platform that gives sellers full visibility over their supply chains.
Industry Problems and Solutions
One primary issue facing e-tailers is a lack of visibility in their supply chains, particularly when working with marketplaces that offer limited information on logistics partners. NEXX provides a neutral alternative, connecting sellers with logistics providers throughout the supply chain without conflicting interests. This transparency allows sellers to know who is handling their products and at what cost, while also enabling local partners to invest in the necessary IT infrastructure to meet these demands.
Justice emphasizes the necessity of collaboration across different stakeholders—manufacturers, e-tailers, logistical operators, and tech companies—to create a seamless supply chain. By setting the right standards and values, NEXX aims to grow a network that prioritizes cooperation.
The Future of Cross-Border Ecommerce
Looking ahead, Justice hopes that NEXX becomes the go-to platform for businesses looking to ship cross-border. With the rise of e-commerce and increasing complexity in logistics, NEXX could facilitate connections that previously seemed insurmountable for smaller businesses. He acknowledges that while the market continues to evolve, setting up a trusted trade passport that standardizes compliance could greatly improve the sector.
Sustainability Challenges
Sustainability is at the forefront of discussions regarding logistics. Many companies struggle to implement sustainable practices without incurring excessive costs. Justice notes that while companies may claim carbon neutrality, establishing firm sustainability metrics is essential. NEXX is eager to develop a shipping model that emphasizes CO2 output instead of just transit time and price—a development currently in progress, requiring reliable data across the supply chain.
Conclusion
The podcast concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out to Justice or the NEXX team for assistance in navigating cross-border e-commerce solutions. Connectivity between local players and an understanding of their roles in the supply chain is crucial for sustainable growth in this space.
Keywords
- Cross-Border Ecommerce
- Supply Chain
- NEXX
- Customs Compliance
- Collaboration
- Logistics
- E-tailers
- Sustainability
- Technology Integration
FAQ
Q: What is NEXX?
A: NEXX is an integrated e-commerce experience platform designed to connect local logistical partners and e-tailers across the supply chain.
Q: What problems does NEXX aim to solve?
A: NEXX addresses visibility issues in supply chains, particularly for e-tailers working within large marketplaces, and seeks to establish stronger collaboration across stakeholders.
Q: How does NEXX enhance sustainability?
A: NEXX is working on a shipping model based on CO2 output and aims to implement sustainable practices throughout the supply chain while assisting members in complying with various regulations.
Q: Why are alliances important in cross-border e-commerce?
A: Alliances help smaller players access necessary resources, share knowledge, and provide a collective buying power to improve market presence and efficiency in logistics.